Matthew Raines' Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Class

Thinking of knitting up some hats for winter? Maybe as Christmas presents? https://dabblesandbabbles.com/free-knit-hat-patterns-on-circular-needles/

Want to get a crocheter a gift for Christmas, but not sure what to get them? Here are some ideas. Some of these would, also, be great gifts for a knitter. If you're a knitter and/or crocheter, and would love to get one or more of these, leave clues in obvious places for your family to find. https://sarahmaker.com/gifts-for-crocheters/

I was introduced to Zentangle in the summer of 2018 and instantly fell in love with it. In the spring of 2019, I became a Certified Zentangle Teacher and have enjoyed meeting CZTs from all of the world, including Canada, England, France, Germany, Asia, Africa and Australia. I wonder if any of you do Zentangle? For those who are unfamiliar with this art form . . . it is a method of drawing using five (5) elemental strokes using archival ink on paper tiles (anywhere from 3.5" square to 10" plus round, triangle, hexagonal, etc.). The tangles (as we call the patterns) can be drawn on fabric, wood, ceramics, etc. We call those items Zentangle Inspired Art (…

Whether you're new to loom knitting or have been doing it for years, these are for you. https://idealme.com/20-loom-knitting-that-are-easy-for-beginners/

If you're a knitter and love knit lace patterns, here's a few you will love. https://idealme.com/15-best-lace-knitting-patterns/

Not sure if I want to try making this or not. I like it, so I just might give it a shot. Sizes range from XS-4X https://www.twoofwands.com/blog/streamline-tee

I'm not ashamed to admit that I take one of knitting or crocheting projects with me when I have to run errands or we have to go to the store. We don't drive anymore, so we use the buses to get around. Taking one of my projects with me, gives me something to do on the buses. Most of the regulars are used to seeing me knit or crochet. If I'm not knitting or crocheting, one of them will ask me why. I show them that I do have a project with me and that my arthritis is acting up. June 10, 2023 is World Wide Knit In Public Day. If you don't knit, you can crochet or do needle work in public on that day.

A baby on the way? Know someone who is? If you're a knitter, knit up one of these. Or you can make one for your little one. https://idealme.com/26-free-baby-blanket-knitting-patterns/

Are you a lover of doilies? Know someone who is? https://simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2019/02/free-crochet-doily-patterns/

Whether you are new to knitting or have been knitting for several years, here are video tutorials for the top 20 stitches you either want to learn or brush up on. https://idealme.com/top-20-video-tutorials-popular-knitting-stitches/

I am going to do some searching for some knitting patterns. If there's a particular pattern you're looking for, let me know and I'll do my best to help you find it.

Fall is right around the corner. Then winter will be on us soon after. https://stitch11.com/childrens-rosalina-winter-hat/

Your little girl will be asking you to make her more than one. She might even want you to make one for her favorite doll. https://simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2014/03/free-pattern-easy-crochet-flower-headband/

Have a bunch of plastic bottles you don't know what to with? Here is a list of things you can make with them. https://foshbottle.com/blogs/fosh/60-ways-to-reuse-plastic-bottles

Here are some ideas for Halloween crafts your kids can make. https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/halloween-crafts-for-kids/

Have kids who love playdough and want to eat it? This recipe is for both you and them. https://www.thekitchn.com/edible-playdough-22994248

This knitting method is actually easier than it sounds. Great for scarves. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JroP84tUmJA

If you love hats and/or knows someone who does, here's a crochet pattern for a hat that you'll love to make for yourself or for someone else. Perfect for your little niece or granddaughter, if you know how to adjust the pattern to make smaller sizes. https://makeanddocrew.com/crochet-granny-square-bucket-hat/#free-pattern

Are you a crocheter? Know someone who LOVES headbands? Make them some of these in a variety of colors for their birthday, Christmas, or just because. Or make them for yourself. https://creamofthecropcrochet.com/twisted-mixed-cluster-headband-crochet-pattern/

I learned to crochet this past year! I am making an afghan for my godson’s wedding. It’s going to be close — but here it is so far.

Are you and/or your family bored when you're stuck inside due to bad weather, sickness, or some other reason? Here's an article with a few ideas: https://outsideresource.com/6-things-to-do-when-you-are-bored/?utm_source=2&utm_term=4850879&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

It’s Sandhill Crane migration season here in Nebraska once again. I decided to take a break from my drone training and do something fun (well driving nearly 100 miles in a snowstorm wasn’t fun, but the painting was). I’ve done canvas paintings before, but this is really the first one that has turned out relatively well. I love the final picture and thought you’d all enjoy it too.

When I have the money to spend on the supplies I'll be needing, I plan on doing a latch hook of the Ponderosa map. My biggest problem will be determining the proper shades of the colors. I know where I can get the precut yarn, and the mat. I all ready have the graph paper to print the map on. It might late spring, early summer before I can get the yarn, mat, and printer. The latch hook I can get at Wal Mart. The frame I'll have to get at a crafts store like Michael's.

<iframe src="https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&amp;pid=2c188b17b7ba&amp;view=iframe" style="width:100%;height:600px" frameborder=0 allowfullscreen></iframe>

I enjoy crocheting never ending granny square afghans. I specifically use the multi colored yarns, 3 different multi colored yarns for the main section, 1-2 solid or multi colored yarns for the border/edge. When I choose the colors for the body, I choose two that clash and one that will bring them together. I normally purchase three skeins of each for the body. Here's the link to the video I used. Mikey does an excellent job explaining each step and why. If you don't crochet and know someone who does, you can share the video with them.